Born Prince Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David of York.

Named "Edward" in honor of his late uncle Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, who was known as Eddy to his family, and in honor of his great-grandfather Christian IX. King of Denmark. "Albert" was inclluded in memory of his great-grandfather Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the Prince Consort. His last four names, George, Andrew, Patrick and David are the patron saints of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. He was known as David to his family.

He was created Prince of Wales in 1910 and succeded his father as Edward VII. King of the United Kingdom in January 1936. Abdicated in December after a reign of only 325 days in order to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson. He was styled Duke of Windsor in 1937.